Merkley admits his vote will hurt hungry families in Oregon

"We are cutting programs at a time of record inequality in our nation, and yes, they will hurt families in Oregon, some of these core programs that simply put food on the table," Merkley said. Oregonians will receive about $60 a month less in SNAP benefits. He still voted YES for the Farm Bill, as did Senator Wyden. On the other hand, Congressional Representative Peter Defazio's Eugene staffer remarked on a call that he voted NO on the farm bill because "it would hurt poor and hungry people".